Head of Finance Service

Either Temp to Perm OR Permanent with Immediate Start

Full-Time, 36 hours, 52 weeks a year

North London Based, open to 1 or 2 days WFH once settled

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and qualified finance professional to join a growing and successful education organisation as Head of Finance Service. Reporting to the CFOO, you will lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial governance, compliance and strategic financial planning across a Multi-Academy Trust
. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for financial controls, budgeting, statutory accounts, audit management, payroll oversight, risk management and delivering strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders and Board members.

• Lead and develop the finance team across the Trust
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, DfE requirements and statutory regulations
• Manage annual accounts, audits and financial returns
• Develop and deliver long‑term financial strategy to support growth and sustainability
• Drive process improvements, financial controls and value‑for‑money initiatives
• Partner with senior leaders, Trustees and external stakeholders to support decision‑making

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
• Proven Multi‑Academy Trust (MAT) finance experience is essential
• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role within the education sector
• Strong knowledge of academy finance regulations, governance and compliance requirements
• Experience preparing statutory accounts, managing audits and delivering Board‑level reporting
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Experience of financial systems, budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic finance leader to join a growing organisation and play a key role in shaping its financial future. For a confidential discussion or to apply, please get in touch – Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation.